Page 1 of learning to drive
General Forum
can someone tell me what the age is now for learning to drive. i thought it was 17 but someone else thought that it was put up to 18.
my daughter is 17 in august and is loking forward to learning...but was dissapointed when i told her she might have to wait another year.
17 however some driving schools do this at 16 on private land... whatever you do invest in lessons dont try and teach yourself or you will fall out with her!
`i am going to live forever or die trying`
so their not raising the age limit to 18??
Its 17yrs unless she is in receipt of DLA and she can start at 16yrs :D The age increase is a proposal along with curvews for younger drivers.
mmm chocolate
If you go to a driving school which has a track it is 16, however I think they are pretty useless as they don`t really give you the real driving exp ie stupid pedistrians running on the road more carss etc. However may be good for a couple of lessons just to get used to the car. Also if you go with AA or BSD or any of the other big companies don`t be fooled and get simulator lessons, they are only ever a couple of pounds cheaper than a real lesson and should only be used if the learner really requires extra lessons and confidence.
Also remember to be willing to change instructor if you don`t like them. I change mine when I was learning years ago and it made for a much better learning exp for me.
It is 17. BSM have a `driving simulator` though, you pay to use it hourly, and learn at your own speed, without the worry of `am I doing it wrong` and without anyone watching over you which can make some nervous. They have it at most of their offices and it`s ideal for mastering the controls and learning the basics, even if the on-screen environment is totally unrealistic. I used it years ago, and would highly recommend it. When I had my first proper lesson I was totally comfortable to get in the driving seat and the instructor actually asked if it was really my first lesson.
Just read the post above, and agree it`s only a couple of pounds cheaper. Worked for me though!
This item was edited on Tuesday, 4th March 2008, 16:40
Yeh but you used it for confidence or just to get used to a car. When I was learning they tried to get me to use them as well as paying for the lessons i.e througout the learning exp I was like f off as if I am gonna pay £18 an hour on top of the cost of the lessons.
Did you carry in on while you were learning?
Nope. Didn`t see the point afterwards.
I`m an old duffer in terms of driving - I passed my test (1st time I might add) @ 36 after 10 lessons. I had just one more lesson after I passed - a long, busy mortorway drive @ 70 MPH.
Speed can be scary...get used to it before getting those points ;)
Other than that, consider Advanced Driving qualifications if you`ve got the cash.
Just craptacular....